Italy want Chelsea manager Conte to return to international fold

Antonio Conte closed the door on his spell as Italy manager last year when he returned to club football.

The 48-year-old took over at Chelsea, becoming the club’s permanent successor to Jose Mourinho.

The Italian had an ideal first season at Stamford Bridge as he guided the team to the Premier League title.

During the summer, though, there were rumblings that he was unhappy with the Blues’ transfer strategy.

A number of names, including Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, failed to make it through the welcome gates.

The club were also criticised for selling Nemanja Matic to direct rival Manchester United.

Despite recently signing a new two-year contract, The Mirror claims that Conte could quit Chelsea at the end of the season.

Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio has made it clear that the ex-Juventus boss, who spent two years in charge of his national side, would be welcomed back into the fold.

A new Italy head coach is needed following the departure of Gian Piero Ventura, who was forced out after the nation failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

According to The Mirror, when asked about the position, Tavecchio said:

“Allegri and Mancini? You’re getting warmer. Conte? Fire. We’re looking for the best. They already have commitments until June from a contractual point of view. Then when we get to June, who will be free? The ones are Ancelotti, Conte, Allegri, Ranieri and Mancini. This is the truth of those available.”